In a promising development for ocean safety, scientists in Australia are exploring the use of LED lights on surfboards as a potential deterrent against shark attacks. The researchers behind this study believe that the lights disrupt sharks’ hunting instincts by breaking up the dark silhouette of a surfboard—often mistaken for a seal or other prey from below. Initial tests show that sharks are far less likely to approach objects outfitted with specific lighting, suggesting that surfers may benefit from a similar approach.
The research team, based in Sydney, began their study by dragging seal-shaped lures through the water in areas where sharks are commonly found. When the decoys had no lights, the sharks often attacked, mistaking the dark shapes for natural prey. However, when the scientists wrapped the lures in LED lights, the sharks largely ignored them, leading researchers to conclude that the lights may disrupt sharks’ visual recognition, causing them to lose interest in potential targets.
“Sharks rely heavily on visual cues to identify prey,” says Dr. Nathan Hart, one of the lead researchers in the study. “When we added the lights, it altered the shape and appearance of the object, reducing the likelihood that a shark would identify it as food.” He notes, however, that while the results are encouraging, the technique is not guaranteed to work in every scenario. The research team is cautious in recommending the lights as a foolproof method, urging surfers to remain vigilant and not rely solely on LED lights as a safety measure.
The study has gained significant interest among surfers, lifeguards, and ocean safety advocates, with many hoping the technology could lead to fewer shark encounters. In Australia, where shark attacks have been a growing concern, this innovation could offer a more humane approach to shark safety, as it avoids the need for physical barriers or shark culling.
Hart and his team are now working on refining the LED technology, experimenting with different light placements and intensities on surfboards to determine the most effective arrangement. They hope to conduct more extensive trials, possibly introducing the LED-adorned boards to popular surfing areas to further test their effectiveness in deterring shark behavior.
Despite the positive outlook, researchers stress that this measure should be used alongside other safety practices. “This technology could be an additional layer of safety,” says Hart, “but surfers should continue to follow all guidelines for reducing the risk of shark encounters.”
If successful, the LED surfboards could become a standard piece of equipment, offering both peace of mind for surfers and a conservation-minded approach to coexisting with sharks in their natural habitat. As scientists continue their work, surfers worldwide are hopeful that this technology will offer a practical solution to a longstanding ocean safety issue.
